In the face of a massive wave of protests, the Iranian leadership had WhatsApp blocked in 2022. This has now been lifted and further easing is to follow.

Iran lifted the ban on the use of the WhatsApp app. The restriction had been in place for over two years, reports The Times of Israel. According to the media, Iran's Supreme Council, responsible for internet protection,

The Supreme Cyberspace Council, which is tasked with safeguarding the internet for Iranian citizens, voted unanimously to lift restrictions on a number of foreign-owned applications during a meeting today, according to a report by the state news agency IRNA.

Iran's reformist government has lifted bans on WhatsApp and Google Play, signaling efforts to reduce internet restrictions despite hardliner opposition.

By bne Tehran bureau Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace on Tuesday announced the removal of restrictions on WhatsApp and Google Play, in what officials described as a first step towards lifting broader internet filtering measures.

Iranian authorities remove restrictions on Meta's messaging platform WhatsApp and on Google Play, marking an initial move to ease internet limitations.

Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play Store, restoring access to key communication and app platforms for users nationwide.

Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace on Dec 24 approved the lifting of blocks on certain widely used foreign platforms. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The move has sparked a debate in Iran, with critics of the restrictions arguing the controls were costly for the country